Mining Injury Lawyer West Virginia

While many people think of mining jobs as being a thing of the past, we have families approach a West Virginia mining injury lawyer all the time at Hayhurst Law PLLC. Mining is hard work, and we help families with loved ones who either got injured or passed away while on the job. Our successful track record ensures we help miners and workers obtain fair compensation following injuries or wrongful death. 

Our law firm understands that coal mining is significant for West Virginia. However, we also know that mining companies must follow specific industry standards and safety regulations. Too many times, corporations will prioritize profit over workers’ safety. Our lawyers proudly represent coal miners that would otherwise not receive the compensation they’re entitled to. 

Common Injuries and Accidents That Can Result From Coal Mining 

Even now, coal mining is a dangerous industry when there are far more safety measures and industry practices to minimize these dangers. Unfortunately, dangers often happen when coal miner owners or companies put coal miners in dangerous situations they could have otherwise avoided. The motivating factor behind this process is to increase profits. Common coal mining accidents include the following: 

• Roof collapses
• Injury or death caused by coal mining equipment
• Coal stockpile collapses
• Coal mine explosions
• Electrical injury or death

Besides immediate injuries or death, coal miners can still develop black lung—frequently known as coal miner’s lung. Around 16% of coal miners suffer from this condition, and currently, there’s no cure. 

How These Accidents Can Be Better Prevented

Any job or career assumes a certain amount of risk, and plenty of coal miners begin working knowing that they’re performing a dangerous job. However, just because coal mining is a dangerous industry doesn’t mean there aren’t any ways to minimize these risks. Often, accidents and deaths happen due to a company not having or not obeying the correct safety precautions, like:

• Conducting the proper training
• Providing the right safety equipment
• Having the right safety checks in measures
• Prioritizing human life over profits in high-risk areas

How Can An Attorney Help? 

A West Virginia mining injury attorney can help in several ways. For starters, an attorney can help you gather and preserve the necessary evidence to build your case. An attorney can also help when workers’ compensation doesn’t cover all of your losses. 

Workers’ compensation can cover factors like medical expenses, lost wages or job rehabilitation, and out-of-pocket expenses. However, it can’t cover factors like pain and suffering that don’t carry an exact dollar amount. Additionally, workers might be entitled to punitive damages because many coal mining injuries result from a company prioritizing profits. 

Of course, workers also face the problem of a company and their insurance not willing to provide them with workers’ compensation or a personal injury settlement. Instead, they might be unwilling to negotiate or try to argue that the worker had a preexisting condition or that they were violating safety regulations. Trying to argue against these claims by yourself is nearly impossible, especially when dealing with medical concerns. 

Call for a West Virginia mining injury attorney from Hayhurst Law PLLC today!

Long-Term Effects of a Mining Injury

When a miner is injured, the effects can be far-reaching and long-lasting which is why they turn to a West Virginia mining injury lawyer to represent their case. Many miners, and their families, may not understand the full extent of the damage that can be caused by a mining injury. A lawyer understands these long-term effects and can help injured miners get the compensation they deserve. Learn more about these effects, and then contact a lawyer at Hayhurst Law PLLC for help.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Mining accidents can often lead to very serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can cause a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments that can last for years or even a lifetime. Common symptoms of a TBI can include headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, impaired speech, confusion, balance and coordination issues, depression, anxiety, and difficulty with problem-solving. In some cases, the effects of a TBI can be so severe that the injured miner is unable to work or care for themselves.

Spinal Cord Injuries

These injuries typically occur when a miner experiences a heavy blow to their back or spine, or if their body is crushed in a cave-in or explosion. Spinal cord injuries can also occur due to electric shock or falling debris. Depending on the severity of the injury, spinal cord damage can have a wide range of effects. In some cases, paralysis may be limited to certain areas, such as the legs, arms, or torso. Other symptoms may include difficulty breathing, changes in bladder and bowel control, severe pain, and even permanent disabilities. Due to the devastating nature of these injuries, miners who suffer from spinal cord damage often require extensive medical care and ongoing physical therapy which a West Virginia mining injury lawyer can help you get compensation for.

Amputations

The most common limbs affected include fingers, toes, hands, feet, arms, and legs. These injuries can result from machinery or equipment malfunction, contact with sharp objects, contact with hazardous chemicals, and many other types of accidents. Amputations can have a devastating effect on a person’s life. They can affect mobility, the ability to perform everyday tasks, and may require extensive medical treatments and physical therapy. In some cases, prosthetic devices are used to help the person regain function and improve quality of life.

Burns

Burns can range from mild to severe, with some requiring skin grafts and hospitalization. In addition to the physical damage, burns can cause emotional trauma, including anxiety and depression. Long-term scarring, discoloration of skin, pain, and nerve damage are all potential risks associated with burn injuries. If a burn is severe enough to require medical attention, the victim should seek it immediately and follow any aftercare instructions provided by the doctor. To prevent this type of injury, miners should wear protective gear, practice safety protocols, and keep areas clear of combustible materials.

Psychological Injuries

The physical effects of a mining injury can be devastating, but the psychological damage can be just as severe. Trauma caused by an accident or incident can lead to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mental health issues can cause disruptions in a person’s life, affecting their relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Mental health issues can be compounded by financial strain due to the inability to work and mounting medical bills. If you have suffered a psychological injury as a result of a mining accident, it is important to seek the necessary treatment and legal representation for compensation. Contact a West Virginia mining injury lawyer at Hayhurst Law PLLC for help today.